In the picturesque hills of Uttarakhand, India, where mountains rise majestically and forests once thrived with biodiversity, one man’s unwavering commitment has brought hope back to the land. Chandan Nayal, often called the Green Man of Uttarakhand, has become a symbol of grassroots environmental action — a remarkable success story rooted in passion, resilience, and a deep love for nature.
Early Life: Roots in the Hills
Chandan Nayal was born and raised in Naie village, Okhalkanda block, Nainital district — a region known for its natural beauty and, unfortunately, frequent forest fires and water scarcity challenges. Growing up in a farming family, he learned from an early age to respect the delicate balance between humans and nature. His surroundings — lush hills and fragile ecosystems — instilled in him an understanding of how vital nature is for life itself.
Despite his rural roots, Chandan pursued formal education and obtained a diploma in engineering. Like many young people in small towns, he initially moved to urban areas like Ramnagar and Rudrapur for work opportunities. He worked as a teacher and later in a private job, earning a steady livelihood. However, those early experiences away from home couldn’t diminish his connection with the hills or the mounting environmental issues he saw when returning for holidays.
The Turning Point: Choosing Passion Over Paycheck
Like all great stories of transformation, Chandan’s journey took a pivotal turn when he realized that his true passion lay not in a regular desk job, but in restoring the land he loved. Witnessing the devastating effects of forest fires, drying water streams, and soil degradation year after year disturbed him deeply. These experiences sparked a change in his priorities — and he made the bold decision to quit his job and return to his village to dedicate himself fully to environmental conservation.
Most people dream of a stable career; few take the leap of faith that Chandan did. Those around him initially expressed skepticism. Friends and family wondered why he would trade financial security for tree planting, a task many considered impractical and slow-yielding. But Chandan believed in his mission. He knew that to create lasting change, he had to act where it mattered most — on the ground, in the hills that nurtured him.
Planting Seeds of Change: Tree Plantation and Forest Restoration
Once back in his village, Chandan began with a simple yet powerful idea: planting trees and nurturing them until they become forests. He understood that trees were not just green cover — they were essential for maintaining groundwater, preventing soil erosion, controlling forest fires, and supporting local livelihoods.
He started small — with his own ancestral land — creating a nursery to grow saplings of native species such as oak, fig, pomegranate, apple, walnut, amla, malta, and lemon. This nursery became the heart of his mission, providing thousands of saplings each year for planting and for distribution to local farmers and volunteers.
Over the years, Chandan and his dedicated team have planted tens of thousands of trees — more than 50,000 saplings personally and over 80,000 distributed so far. These planted trees now form thriving mixed forests across several hectares of land in and around the Nainital district.
But planting was just the beginning. Chandan ensured that each sapling had the best chance of survival by involving local villagers — especially women and youth — to care for the forests long after the first planting. This grassroots participation has been crucial in sustaining the forests and fostering a sense of ownership among communities.
Innovations in Water Conservation: Chal-Khal and Micro-Check Dams
Chandan’s environmental strategy wasn’t limited to trees alone. He recognized that water scarcity was a pressing issue in the hills, impacting agriculture, wildlife, and everyday life. To address this, he revived traditional water conservation techniques such as chal-khal — shallow pits that capture rainwater and help recharge underground water sources.
He also constructed more than 6,000 micro check dams and trenches across his region. These structures slow water flow, prevent soil erosion, and ensure that rainwater seeps into the ground. The result? Revived water sources, restored greenery, and improved soil health — all deeply interlinked with the tree plantation work.
Community Engagement and Awareness
A forest can’t flourish without people. Chandan understood this early in his mission and placed great emphasis on creating awareness among locals — from village elders to schoolchildren. He regularly conducts sessions in schools, motivating students to understand the value of nature and encouraging them to participate in plantation drives.
His outreach efforts have turned many skeptics into volunteers. Over time, what once seemed like an isolated effort has transformed into a community-driven movement, with youth groups and families actively planting and protecting trees together.
Recognition and Awards: Acknowledgment for a Lifetime of Service
Chandan’s relentless work has not gone unnoticed. His commitment earned him significant national recognition:
- Water Hero Award by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — honoring his contributions to water conservation and tree planting.
- Recognition by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the national radio programme Mann Ki Baat for his environmental efforts.
- Awards like Uttarakhand Ratna and Sunder Lal Bahuguna Smriti Vriksha Mitra celebrate his environmental impact and inspire others.
These recognitions are proof that a person with purpose can influence change at a national level, encouraging others to follow suit.
The Future: Sustaining the Legacy
Chandan Nayal’s success story isn’t just about numbers — it’s about transforming mindsets. His vision goes beyond manual labor; it’s about empowering communities, reviving traditional ecological knowledge, and creating a sustainable model for conservation that can be replicated across India and beyond.
Today, his forests not only act as green lungs for the region but also serve as classrooms for young learners who see firsthand the impact of environmental stewardship. The hills that once faced deforestation and water depletion now witness renewed greenery and rejuvenated water bodies.
The Triumph of Purpose
Chandan Nayal’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always measured by wealth or fame — it’s measured by impact. His journey from an ordinary village boy to a celebrated environmentalist showcases what can be achieved when love for nature meets dedication and community action. Today, Chandan’s name resonates as a beacon of hope for environmental conservation — proving that one person’s commitment can spark a movement that transforms landscapes and lives.
If you’re inspired by Chandan’s journey, you’re not alone. His story motivates countless young people to step out, plant a tree, conserve water, and protect the world we share.
